Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, along with four department heads of the City Local Government Unit (LGU), is facing charges of violating Republic Act 7080, or the Anti-Plunder Law. The charges were filed by six members of the Cotabato City Council at the Ombudsman Mindanao, citing alleged unexplained discrepancies in city funds amounting to ₱81.42 million.
The case stems from the alleged misuse of funds related to a ₱118-million loan received by the city from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in 2022. Records submitted to the City Council indicate that the city had supposedly paid ₱52 million towards the principal loan. However, DBP statements reveal that only ₱29 million had been paid, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately ₱89 million.
The petitioners requested the suspension of Mayor Matabalao and the implicated department heads—City Accountant Primitivo Glimada Jr., City Treasurer Teddy Inta, City Budget Officer Regina Detalla, and City Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Adela Fiesta—pending the investigation.
Ombudsman Confirms Investigation
A Notice of Action/Investigation dated September 5, 2024, signed by Atty. Ronald Brian Go Evangelista of the Ombudsman-Proper, confirmed the ongoing review of the case. The complaint, filed on August 20, 2024, was formally endorsed to the Graft Investigation and Prosecution Office.
The complainants—Councilors Marouf Pasawiran, Abdulrakim Usman, Hunyn Abu, Kusin Taha, Henjie Ali, and SK Federation President Datu Noriel Pasawiran—have submitted sworn affidavits supporting their allegations.
Mayor Matabalao Responds
Mayor Matabalao, in his statement, dismissed the charges as politically motivated, emphasizing that he had anticipated such accusations given the political climate. He pointed out the timing of the case filing, which followed the city’s successful Grand Kanduli celebration.
The mayor maintained that he had yet to receive official communication regarding the complaint and highlighted the importance of transparency to counter misinformation. He accused certain individuals and groups of attempting to tarnish his reputation to sway public opinion.
Clarifications on Loan Payments and Projects
Addressing the allegations, Mayor Matabalao explained that the city’s bank loans were used for major infrastructure projects, including the New Integrated Public Terminal and the second phase of the public market renovation—projects initiated under the previous administration. He stressed that the loan payments were fixed but could vary due to fluctuating interest rates, resulting in savings that required City Council approval for allocation.
The mayor assured the public that all financial transactions underwent proper processes and were approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. He encouraged the City Council to directly consult DBP for clarity regarding loan payments, reiterating that the LGU had nothing to hide.
The Ombudsman’s investigation is ongoing, and the public awaits further developments on this high-profile case.